Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Portland, OR

I strive to create a warm and welcoming environment where it feels safe to lay all your cards out on the table without fear of being judged. Our lives can sometimes be brutal, or exceedingly beautiful, and everything in between. I'm here for all of it. I find that I work particularly well with people who are struggling with major life transitions, grief, and managing chronic conditions.

I enjoy helping clients to identify and head toward their goals. I've been in practice for 13 years, and worked with a diverse set of clients in a federally qualified health clinic. I believe in the power of individual work, alongside being involved in relationships to bring about the greatest healing and fulfillment in life.

As a PMHNP, I provide compassionate, evidence-based care with a direct, honest and approachable style. I believe that humor, when appropriate, helps build trust ans creates a comfortable space for meaningful conversations, while keeping treatment focused on clear achievable goals. My approach is collaborative, empathetic and results-oriented, empowering patients to make lasting progress toward improved mental health and overall well-being.

Hi! I’m Vanessa! I’m a wife, Mom and entrepreneur. I’m also a psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in integrative psychiatry and women’s mental health. I run a niche mental health clinic called Kavah Wellness Psychiatry. I hold a bachelors degree, two masters degree and a doctor of nursing practice degree. I have almost a decade of experience in the mental health sector. I love everything mental health!

As a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, my path to psychiatry was shaped by over eight years as a bedside nurse. I watched patients face fear and uncertainty that often went unaddressed — and I knew those feelings deserved their own dedicated space. That's what brought me to outpatient psychiatry. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, and I have experience treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, trauma, substance use, and more — including LGBTQ+ individuals and those navigating maternal mental health, grief, and chronic illness.

Navigating your mental health journey is a brave step, and I'm here to meet you where you are. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I believe your story is unique and deserves to be heard. My approach is rooted in empathy, kindness, and cultural sensitivity.

I work well with anyone who seeks therapy and is ready to work on themselves. I have worked with about every population, culture and age group. Issues that I am best suited to treating include a wide variety of disorders, childhood trauma, addictions, domestic violence, parenting/bonding/interpersonal relationships. I certified in EMDR and expressive arts therapy. I like to offer different forms of expression to my clients in the healing arts. I also give plenty of skill building tools and homework so clients can maximize their progress outside of the weekly sessions. I speak Spanish fluently.